7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney on 20 Dec 2025

The toilet is a standard fixture in our homes that we regularly use. It’s easy to take its utility as a given, but it’s vital to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not be flushed down the toilet because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage the sewer pipe.

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
  • Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet include:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
    • Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
    • Medical Treatment
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unforetold cost to you.
  • Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.

Seven household objects you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.

3. Cooking grease and oil

Oil and grease should be put in a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they’ll get hard and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.

4. Products for feminine hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause troubles later on if they join with other products and cause a obstruction.

5. Medicines

Medications should never be flushed in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is designed to be tough, which means it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.

7. Paper towels

As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave which will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily blockage.

In the end, flushing any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which can result in an unexpected price to you. Be mindful of the items you flush down the toilet.

Item Reason for not Flushing
Baby wipes Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
Condoms Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants.
Cooking grease and oil Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
Feminine hygiene products Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable".
Medications Can contaminate our water sources.
Dental floss Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes.
Paper towels Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper.

Frequently Asked Question

Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?

Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.

Are flushable wipes actually flushable?

There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and may cause clogs in your pipes.

Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and can cause blockages.

Are paper towels safe to flush?

No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and will not break down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.

What happens to medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?

No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.

If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of plumbing issues. Call us now to make an appointment.

Additional Information

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Sydney Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Sydney cleared today, contact Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
  • Prices You Can Trust
  • Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
  • Great Reviews & Reputation
  • We’re Personable & Friendly
  • Experienced & Licenced Team
  • Get a Quote With No Obligation

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

Drain Inspection

Drain Inspection

Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Drain Repairs

Drain Repairs

About Us &

What We Do

When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

Blocked Drain, CCTV Inspections & Pipe Relining
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
0488 881 104